Zoo Animals

Arctic Ring of Life

The Arctic Ring of Life is one of North America’s largest polar bear habitats, and it is also home to arctic foxes and seals. This state-of-the-art, interactive facility encompasses more than 4 acres of outdoor and indoor spaces.

The most unique feature of the Arctic Ring of Life is the spectacular 70-foot-long Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage, a clear tunnel that winds through a vast underwater marine environment. This 12-foot-wide, 8-foot-tall tunnel takes visitors underneath diving and swimming polar bears and seals. The bears and seals are separated from each other by a transparent barrier but appear to share one aquatic environment. Visitors then arrive in an “ice world”, passing through a frigid ice cave and finally entering the Exploration Station with additional indoor viewing.

The Arctic Ring of Life was named the No. 2 Best Zoo Exhibit in the U.S. by the Intrepid Traveler’s guide to “America’s Best Zoos”.